PARTNER IDENTIFICATION AND ENGAGEMENT

Community partnerships are critical to address inclusion of persons with disabilities in the National DPP LCP and public health needs. Expertise is not necessary to successfully engage with persons with disabilities. There are organizations at the national, state, and local level that can offer technical assistance to help build inclusion assets and recruit participants into the National DPP LCP. Keep in mind the following to help identify and engage key disability organizations: State and local government agencies can guide programs to resources and services that participants might need. For example, the state department of services for the deaf or a Mayor’s Council for People with Disabilities may have resources that offer American Sign Language interpretation.

Disability service organizations can serve as both a recruitment partner and a source of technical assistance. These organizations can be condition-specific, such as a Muscular Dystrophy Association chapter, or they can be crossdisability, like Easter Seals, Special Olympics chapters, or Centers for Independent Living.

Community-based organizations often have personnel who are well-versed in disability inclusion or general program adaptation. Examples include Allied Health personnel at a local hospital, rehab center, or parks and recreation department.

Schools may not seem like an immediate choice, but they have personnel with experience in adapting physical or special education to accommodate student needs. Leveraging their expertise may be beneficial.